AdmissionsThe King’s University is located in Southlake, Texas, in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex near DFW International Airport. Within minutes of our campus you’ll find a world filled with the amenities of a large metropolitan area.

AcademicsIn fulfillment of our mission statement to prepare effective leaders and Christ-like servants, academic advisement is a service provided for our students to assist them in successfully completing their degree requirements in a timely and sequential manner.

Tiffany Brittain

Human Resources Manager

Tonya Major

Director of Student Success

Tracey R. Lane

Director of Library Services

Travis Termin

Director of Student Financial Services

Staff

Alicka Cullison

Coordinator of Student Success

Alicka Cullison

One thing to remember about me is that I am an avid consumer of all things coffee. Spending time traveling around the world is something I treasure. Besides that, my heart is to speak life, joy, and vision over people and their callings. I desire to encourage people to grow in their identity and pursue Jesus in every facet of their life. I am truly thankful to work at TKU. The desire our staff and faculty have for students to know their God-given purpose is amazing.

Contact

Allen T. Gutierrez

Coordinator of Graduate Studies

Allen T. Gutierrez

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,” has had a whole new meaning since coming to TKU. For me, working here is redemption in every sense of the word. What I love most about this ministry are the people I get to work with. When I’m not in the office, you can find me in a hot yoga room, a coffee house reading, or practicing vocals or the flute. As far as family goes, I have a Siberian Husky-mix named Maddox Bartholomew. I have been a member of Gateway Church for five years and am actively involved in Gateway Worship Choir and Performing Arts.

Contact

Amanda Corbett

Recruiting Specialist

Amanda Corbett

I love seeing God do the miraculous in everyday life. There is beauty around every corner if we will only have eyes to see. My passions are family and building the Kingdom! My husband, Levi and I relocated from New Mexico in 2015 to begin our journey with TKU, and since then have constantly been reminded of God’s faithfulness! Psalm 121:1-2 reminds me of what home looks like, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” The best days are spent traveling to new places and trying delicious food with family and friends! What I genuinely love about The King’s University, is working with a community of believers who are united for the cause of Christ and enriching the lives of students.

Contact

Bree Empkey

Coordinator of Human Resources

Bree Empkey

I absolutely love working for TKU! I am passionate about leading people to the voice of God and allowing them to have an encounter with Jesus. I find so much joy in walking each person down a journey of freedom while discovering more about their Creator. When I am not in the office, I am usually hanging out with my husband, family and friends. I feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing TKU family as the staff and students bring me so much joy in every area of my life.

Contact

Bridget Radke

Administrative Assistant to Dean of Media Arts

Bridget Radke

The Lord captured my heart for Europe when I was 18 and has not let go since. Many trips later, I met my husband, Steve, in Berlin, Germany, and we accepted the call to one day do full-time missions together. Our marriage has been nothing short of an incredible adventure, getting to run after Jesus and lead worship all over Europe, as Steve’s parents did before us. We are now joyfully in preparation for the years to come, and I am so excited for TKU to now be a part of that preparation.

As for me, I am a huge antique nerd. I love finding anything that has history and giving it a place in my home. I love painting, though my art is comparable to a first grader’s. I love old photography and the stories that it can tell. I love to cook and my husband tells me I’m getting really good at it (but he’ll eat anything). Lastly, I love my two amazing dogs, Oscar and Leela, and the joy they bring to our little family. I feel honored to be stepping into the next season the Lord has for us and especially blessed to have a testimony which shows His faithfulness over and over.

Contact

Brooke Skiles

Coordinator of Marketing

Brooke Skiles

Contact

Danel Mason

Coordinator of Student Programs

Danel Mason

I love students and I love student leadership. I graduated from Tarleton State University in 2011 with a 4.0 in student involvement, ha! I did actually graduate with a communications degree and had hopes to get back to higher education, one day. Little did I know the direction the Lord would take me. When I got the call about an opening in student development at TKU, I knew the Lord had heard my prayers. It is such an honor even to be a small part of the college chapter of these students’ lives. When I am not working, I love a good book or new song. Words truly speak to my soul! (Hint: It is my love language.) I believe God has created the most beautiful novel, and we are just a small chapter. The best part of His story? We know how it ends.

Contact

Deanna Brown

Administrative Assistant of Biblical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy

Deanna Brown

I was born in Fort Worth but grew up in Los Angeles and moved back in 2005. I have seen a lot of religion (I attended Catholic school through my associate degree, a Lutheran university, several Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, a Kingdom Hall, and Buddhist temples) and I am so thankful that through all of those experiences I know Jesus Christ as Lord and have a personal relationship with God, our Father. I am Kyle’s and Caleigh’s mom, although these days I am finally learning to answer to Deanna. I color outside of the lines, think outside of the box and do not like labels. So while I am vegan, I prefer to say that I don’t eat animals or byproducts of them. I am currently attending graduate school, love new ventures and am looking forward to growing with TKU in my new role with the counseling degree programs.

Contact

Denver Blackwell

Admissions Counselor

Denver Blackwell

I enjoy life. Some of my favorite things to do are laughing, hanging out with friends, being outside, playing most of the competitive sports, and eating a lot of food. A few fun facts are that I’m a Texas native, Fort Worth is my city, and my family members are some of my best friends. Getting the call to ministry in high school led me through a time of trial and stepping out in faith as I made my way to TKU. Although challenging, the road to TKU has been one of the most rewarding. Now as an admissions counselor, I get to help those who have the Lord leading them into their calling. No matter where I’m at in life, I want to partner with Jesus to love, serve, and bring joy and peace to people’s lives.

Contact

Derek Pritchett

Coordinator of Registrar Services

Derek Pritchett

I have a heart for stories. There is nothing that makes me come more alive than to experience an amazing story. Whether it’s seeing a movie or show on TV, reading a book, listening to a podcast, or playing a game, I enjoy going on adventures with the characters in the story. Equally, I have a passion for telling stories and I love to use them to teach people about Jesus. TKU has been instrumental in helping me learn to do just that! When I was first introduced to TKU in 2012, I had no idea that it would start me on such a life-altering path. From earning my bachelor’s degree to meeting my wife, and now being able to be a part of the staff that has worked so hard to see me succeed is truly an honor.

Contact

George Bander

Research Analyst

George Bander

“From here it’s possible.” These words could be found all over the campus of Texas Tech and the school’s recruitment literature, and as cliché as they may seem they are not wrong. But within them there lies another message that is more than just a simple recruitment tool. It is not just about simply being there, but also being able to put in the work to be able to get to where you want to be. For me this is a big point of emphasis, because who wants to be somewhere they don’t want to be? There’s no fun in that. In my spare time I really enjoy watching sports, particularly baseball, college football, and formula 1, reading a good book, or just sitting and binge watching a TV show. All of this is to say that I am truly honored to be able to join the TKU family, because it is somewhere where I want to be.

Contact

Jenn Oparaodu

Coordinator of Student Activities

Jenn Oparaodu

I am a Dallas, Texas, native and enjoy all things Texas! Anyone who knows me well knows that marshmallows, popcorn, and Dallas Cowboys tickets are the way to my heart. I enjoy creating atmospheres for fellowship and community, but I love a good one-on-one conversation. When I first got to college I had no idea that God would use that time to develop and grow me into the leader I am today. I was mentored by faculty and staff members who brought out the best in me. It brings me great joy to do the same for students anywhere I go. I am passionate about helping people lean into their callings, find their passions, and challenge them to grow far beyond their expectations.

I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from Jennie Allen’s book, “Anything”: “You have to thank God for the seemingly good and the seemingly bad because really, you don’t know the difference.”

Contact

Jennifer Bingham

Library Assistant

Jennifer Bingham

When I moved from my home town of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to Texas the Lord amazed me with the opportunity to continue my education at The King’s University. I am passionate about seeing people saved, set-free and growing in Christ. When I am not in the library I am probably three hundred pages deep in a book, writing or participating in ministry at church. I am so grateful to God and to TKU for allowing me to grow and exercise my gifting in an exciting and nurturing environment where people are encouraged to be passionate about Christ and to do life together. I cannot wait to see what God is going to do next!

Contact

Jerri Benjamin

Senior Coordinator of Accounts Payable and Payroll

Jerri Benjamin

I am honored to serve TKU. The administration and faculty are men and women of God, and the students are so inspiring and fun. Wednesday chapel and student-led worship are the highlights of my week! I love my large family of 5 grown children and 4 “in-loves” who have given me 12 of the most precious grandchildren that ever lived. I am passionate about training the next generation to understand the importance of Israel and the Jewish people and how they are intricately connected to End Time events. My husband and I lived in Jerusalem for one year and Brussels, Belgium for four years building the Brussels House of Prayer Missions Base. I ministered weekly in two different red light districts in Belgium and have a passion to see people set free from sex slavery. I also love to crochet with my granddaughters, watch movies with my husband, and spend weekly time with my family.

Contact

Jessica Cook

Graphic Designer

Jessica Cook

Being a California native, I love all things outdoors: sandy beaches, snowy mountains, flat farmlands and thick forests. Naturally, in my spare time I enjoy any outdoorsy activity or spending time with my family playing card games. I was born and raised near Lake Tahoe, moved to Southern California for college and met my husband in our freshman class. We felt God call us to Texas and He guided me to TKU. Suddenly, my hodge-podge of experience working for churches, schools and freelancing fell into place. I am thrilled for this next chapter in my life to serve in a university where my talents will be used for the Kingdom and be part of a grander story.

Contact

Jordan Covarelli

Coordinator of Music and Worship Studies

Jordan Covarelli

I am passionate about helping people live out their God-given callings by equipping them, challenging them and partnering with them. Particularly in the area of music, I desire to help people be lifelong learners, take their craft and skills-development seriously, and not squander the talents God has entrusted to them. This way they might hear “well done good and faithful servant” and other people around them “might see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven.” My wife, Nicole, and I have been married since 2012, and had our first child in November, 2016. We are both health-conscious, active, fitness people who are also ardent foodies, so the struggle is real, y’all. I enjoy listening to and playing music, binge watching shows (DVRs and Netflix are amazing inventions), watching or playing any sport, DIY woodworking projects, and tending to our herb and vegetable garden. I love so much of my experience at TKU – from my fellow staff to the unique heritage and mission of this school – but what I think I love most about my job is that look in a student’s eyes when the light bulb finally comes on and they know they have comprehended something they had previously thought was impossible to understand.

Contact

Josh Renken

Instructional Technology Specialist

Josh Renken

I am very excited to be a part of the TKU family! Immediately after walking in the office door, you can tell God comes first. Originally from Tyler, I moved to and from Dallas while growing up, and this has been my home since 2011. My passions include computing and traveling—though I have yet to visit any country abroad. In my spare time, I am usually playing games online or perusing the city. The best thing about working at TKU is knowing that I am improving the lives of God’s children every day through online content. I look forward to making a difference and growing with my new family.

Contact

Kailyn Hilgardner

Senior Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer

Kailyn Hilgardner

I have discovered a new love for the unknown. God does so much work in our hearts when we have no idea what lies ahead, or what to do next. The unknown excites me! I am passionate about people’s life stories and want to do anything I can to push them towards their dreams. Outside of work, you can find me in the sunshine with a good book when it’s hot outside or wrapped up in a blanket by the fire when it’s cold. I love being married to my husband and a dog mom to the cutest pup around!

Contact

Katelynn Sparks

Coordinator of Accounts Receivable

Katelynn Sparks

Worship, planning, structure, coffee and florals make me happy! You can catch me always singing or organizing something. If I lost my planner, I’d lose my life! I love spending time at the gym working up a sweat but also love Chick-fil-A and Blue Bell Cookies ‘n Cream. It’s called balance, right? I am most passionate about encountering the presence of God through worship and I have a heart for people to know their identity through Christ and experience a tangible relationship with the Holy Spirit. I love how the Lord is always so faithful to fulfill all of His promises! I graduated from The King’s in May 2017 and am so excited to now be a part of the staff! For me, The King’s University is home!

Contact

Kristey Simmons

Senior Assistant to Enrollment Management and Student Development

Kristey Simmons

I love working alongside people who truly care about students and helping them find where God is calling them. I recently moved to Texas from the great state of New York to continue this adventure that God is calling me to. God has blessed me with an amazing family, both physical and spiritual, that love and support me in all that I do. I love to hug others, sing, bake cupcakes, and hang out with my friends in my spare time. I have a passion for leading others in worship and I yearn for that moment when I can just step back and let the congregation sing their highest praise to our King! I am truly blessed to be part of such an amazing team here at TKU and I am excited for where God is taking us as an institution.

Contact

Lana Vasquez

Campus Store Manager

Lana Vasquez

I am absolutely giddy at being involved, albeit in a small indirect way, in the education of the next generations of apostles, leaders and disciples of the Good News! I hold an Associate of Applied Science in Marketing Management from Amarillo College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. In my spare time I can usually be found with my two grown babies and their spouses and three precious angels, a.k.a. grandbabies. I also have a heart for the military and volunteer with the USO. Originally from Houston, I lived 18 years in Amarillo before moving to the DFW area in the Summer of 2013. I enjoy travelling to visit extended family and great friends, and I’m also an uber-SciFi and history nerd. My favorite places to visit are mountains (God is so obviously evident in mountain rain) and museums (life-time student!). I’m excited to see the growth and prosperity of The King’s University in the years to come!

Contact

Lynn Frederick

Coordinator of Student Accounts

Lynn Frederick

After selling our home in Grand Prairie in 2006, we launched into the nations, beginning on the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. That decision changed our lives forever. Prior to this we were part of the pastoral staff at Shady Grove Church for 20 years. I have loved the challenge of learning new languages and cultural expressions while never relinquishing my American roots (yeah, BBQ!). I enjoy a good book, a cold, snowy day and a roaring fire, preferably all at the same time. My family tolerates my addiction to Miracle Whip (every country has some kind of facsimile, whew!) and has grown to appreciate my love of all things cinnamon. I am excited to be part of the TKU family as I feel I already carry the DNA in my heart! We look forward to establishing our home here in the Metroplex after many years away.

Contact

Marlene Call

Senior Assistant to the Academic Dean

Marlene Call

I am an avid HGTV fan. Many of the projects in my home are a direct result of feeling empowered to do something at home that I just watched being done on TV. Not all the results have been “amazing,” but each project has been memorable.

A second passion of mine is cooking. I especially love making desserts – any flavor, any kind. There is something so wonderful about creating a delicious treat and enjoying it with your family.

However, my greatest joy is spending time with my grandchildren, Tripp, Sophie and Ezra. They make me smile, keep me young and active, and give me the chance to be a kid again. Whether we are painting, singing, traveling or just cuddling, life is always so much better when we are together.

Contact

Samuel Gmuer

Coordinator of Recruitment

Samuel Gmuer

I am so thankful that God has me at The King’s University. He first brought me here as a student, to study worship. Little did I know that I would stay around longer, to pursue a bachelor’s degree and (hopefully) a master’s degree, and to join the staff as an admissions counselor! I love our school, and am passionate about sharing the heart of this place whenever I’m honored to represent us.

My heart is to one day step into pastoral ministry. I love leading worship and preaching at my church. My time as a student and employee at TKU is preparing me for where I believe God is taking me. I am also passionate about travel and photography, especially at the same time! I love making new friends, especially over a game of ping pong (but sometimes I’d rather be alone and watch Downton Abbey).

Contact

Sara Farmer

Senior Assistant to the VP of University Relations

Sara Farmer

What an exciting turn life has taken! I’m still in awe that I have started a new career as senior assistant in the Office of University Relations. One area of my life in which the Lord always seems to catch me by surprise is my career. In 2003, in the very building that houses TKU, the Lord changed the course of my career in a monumental way and here He is again bringing the most welcome detour back to where my heart is. Speaking of heart—I’m excited for you to meet my amazing husband of 14 years, Jeremy, and my 11- and 9-year-old blessings, Koen and Dace. Our very favorite thing to do as a family is to travel and we have big dreams of the places we want to go. I’m humbled to join the TKU family and I can’t wait to see all that God has in store!

Contact

Stephanye Strider

Distance Education Coordinator

Stephanye Strider

I am passionate about God’s Word and using the talents and spiritual gifts He gave me to serve others. When I am not in the office I am spending quality time with my family. I volunteer each year for the Gateway Church Christmas production as a dressmaker creating and sewing costumes. The most enjoyable part of my job is interacting with the students and hearing their testimony as to how God led them to TKU. I am so very honored and blessed to have the opportunity to serve our students. Life is wonderful at TKU!

Contact

Tali Snow

Coordinator of Messianic Jewish Studies

Tali Snow

As a Jewish believer, it is particularly encouraging and meaningful for me to work in an environment that contributes to and is committed to the Jewish perspective of our faith. I am amazed that a series of individual experiences over time, was in fact God preparing me for my role at TKU. That combined with the infectious joy evident in the people here, makes TKU a place I truly look forward to coming to work to every day.

I am always looking for an excuse to bake, especially since I’ve come to find a grain mill in my possession- total game changer y’all!

My husband Travis and I spend time watching endless episodes of Chopped (and discussing what we’d do with the basket), spending Saturday afternoons estate sale hopping and gazing at the wonder of creation.

Contact

Yoshi Ipson

Senior Admissions Counselor

Yoshi Ipson

I love seeing people unlock their destiny and walk in their God-given calling. There is so much joy when people are free to be who God has called them to be! I enjoy spending time with my two nieces, brother, sister-in-law, sisters and parents. When it’s time to rest and relax, I like watching movies, camping and watching the stars on cool clear evenings. I love my job as Admissions Counselor, because I get to see people answer the call of God and hear their testimonies of how God is leading them to become His disciples through biblical education. I am excited to be part of what God is doing at The King’s University and look forward to seeing each student live out their purpose in life!